Hall Effect-Based Real-Time Lubrication Monitoring System Modes of Operation and Use Thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for real-time monitoring of motile lubricants within the presently common reciprocating engine. A sensor array is fully submerged (or partially submerged) within the lubricant system fluid, for example, oil. The fluid property monitoring is accomplished by multiple sensors acting in unison to provide data to a remote processing and display portion of the system. The system allows for the unified data acquisition and real-time comparison by providing both a physical sensor unit with embedded multiple sensors of multiple types as well as multiple DSP (Digital Signal Processing) or microcontroller modules acting in parallel to provide best-fit results for purposes of real-time monitoring high-temperature motile lubricants for property degradation (namely viscosity and foreign particulate detection) and particulate accumulation.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of pending U.S. provisional patent application No. 61 / 118,056, which was filed on Nov. 26, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention encompasses embodiments related generally to automotive reciprocating engines, transmissions, and aircraft. Such closed systems require constant internal lubrication flow to protect the internal moving parts from the inherent friction. The lubricants are typically carbon-based or related synthetics, which over time vary or decay due to the system environment. The key component of the lubricant is the property of viscosity, which varies over time, temperature, and use. In such systems, particulates of metallic and non-metallic variety tend to accumulate over time and use. The present invention provides a real-time user notification system for early warning notification when conditions reach unfavorable levels that can result in damage to the system.BA...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention provides for the real-time monitoring of flowing fluids associated with closed high-temperature environments present within or associated with internal combustion engines. One embodiment of the invention monitors flowing oil-based lubricants normally used with internal combustion engines for purposes of lubrication. Another embodiment of the invention monitors related application fluids, such as transmission fluids and glycerin-based coolants, such as anti-freeze. One aspect of the invention involves monitoring, in real time, the degra

Problems solved by technology

Existing systems have two main problems influencing the implementation of such a solution.

First, the environmental temperatures are often in excess of 150 degrees Celsius.

However, the temperature and the properties of the liquids make it difficult to protect a sensor or sensor array from degradation.

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